Urocit-K is used as an aid to prevent kidney stone formation by increasing urinary pH. Urocit-K requires a prescription from your veterinarian.

For:

Cats and Dogs

Benefits:

Decreases the chance of kidney stone formation

Easy to administer tablets

How it Works:

Urocit-K makes your pet's urine less acidic which helps reduce the formation of kidney stones that would normally occur as a result of high levels of calcium or uric acid in the urine. Be sure that your pet swallows the tablets whole rather than chews it. Any other specific direction should be given to you by your veterinarian.

Cautions:

You should avoid giving your pet any supplements that contain potassium while using Urocit-K. There are possible side effects, so address any concerns you may have with your veterinarian.

Brand Name:

Urocit-K (Mission Pharmacal), Nutrived (Vedco)

Generic Name:

Potassium citrate

What is Urocit-K:

Urocit-K makes the urine less acidic which helps to reduce the formation of kidney stones that would normally occur as a result of high levels of calcium or uric acid in the urine. Urocit-K may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this guide.

What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving Urocit-K to my pet:

Tell your veterinarian if your pet is being given a potassium-sparing diuretic, such as Spironolactone or if the pet is being given a potassium supplement. Tell your veterinarian if your pet has kidney disease, diabetes, or is dehydrated. Tell your veterinarian if your pet has adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease), or serious illness or infection, stomach ulcer, intestinal obstruction or urinary tract infection. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or lactating.

What is the most important information I should know about Urocit-K:

Urocit-K is a prescription medication FDA approved for veterinary use in dogs and cats. Urocit-K is available as 5 MEQ (540mg) and 10 MEQ (1080mg) controlled release tablets. The usual dose for dogs and cats depends on blood test values and the pet's response to therapy. Urocit-K tablets should be swallowed whole. The tablets should not be crushed or the pet allowed to chew the tablets. Keep water available for the pet to drink.

How should this medication be given:

Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Allow pet to drink plenty of water. Urocit-K tablets should be swallowed whole. Do not crush or allow the pet to chew the tablet. It is recommended to take Urocit-K with food to reduce stomach upset. Urocit-K tablet is made up of an outer shell that contains the medication. The medication is absorbed by the body but the outer shell is passed out of the body in the stool. Do not be alarmed if you see this outer shell in the pet's stool. Your veterinarian may want to perform blood tests during treatment to monitor progress and side effects. Store Urocit-K at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep this medication away from children and pets.

What happens if I miss giving a dose:

Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not give a double dose of the medication.

What should I avoid while giving Urocit-K to my pet:

You should avoid giving your pet any supplements that contain potassium.

What are the possible side effects of Urocit-K:

If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving Urocit-K and seek emergency veterinary medical attention; an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips; tongue or face; hives), abdominal pain, black bloody or tarry stools, blood in vomit or muscle weakness or irregular heartbeats. Other less serious side effects may occur. Continue giving Urocit-K and talk to your veterinarian if your pet has slight nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea or loose stools. Other side effects may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to the animal.

What other drugs will affect Urocit-K:

Tell your veterinarian if your pet is being given a potassium supplement, a potassium-sparing diuretic such as Spironolactone, an ACE inhibitor such as enalapril or lisinopril, or digoxin. Drugs other than those listed may also interact with Urocit-K. Talk to your veterinarian before giving your pet any prescription or over the counter medicines including vitamins, minerals and herbal products.

How to Use

Directions:

Urocit-K is a prescription medication that is used in dogs and cats to aid in the prevention of urinary stone formation.

Urocit-K makes the urine less acidic which helps to reduce the formation of kidney stones that would normally occur as a result of high levels of calcium or uric acid in the urine.

Urocit-K is a controlled release tablet that should be swallowed whole. The tablet should not be crushed or chewed.

Tip:

Urocit-K tablets are made up of an outer shell that contains the medication. The medication is absorbed by the body but the outer shell is passed out of the body in the stool. Do not be alarmed if you see this outer shell in your pet’s stool.

Dosage:

Dogs/Cats:

Weight

Dosage

All weights

The usual dose in dogs and cats depends on blood test values and the pet’s response to therapy. Give the medication with food to prevent stomach upset. Allow plenty of water for your pet to drink.

Horses:

Do not use!

Storage:

Urocit-K should be stored at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Ingredients

Urocit-K:

Active Ingredients (per tablet)

Amount

Potassium Citrate

540 mg

Urocit-K:

Active Ingredients (per tablet)

Amount

Potassium Citrate

1080 mg

Customer Reviews

Urocit-K is rated
5.0 out of
5 by
1.

Rated 5 out of
5 by
KidneyStoneMaster from
Wow! It works!I take this medication myself because I get painful kidney stones, but this really helps to reduce my number of attacks.

Date published: 2011-09-01

2016-12-08T06:05CST

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Q&A

Potassium citrate and pancreatitis

My 13 year old jack russell has been on 1620meq of Potassium citrate for approximately 11 years. He recently had surgery on his liver and got pancreatitis. Now he is on lower fat food(vegetarian for urates) but when I give him his nightly Urocit 2-3 times a week he will vomit them back up about two hours later. He is also using Pancrezyme on his food. Any thoughts on potassium citrate and pancreatitis? Thank you.

Asked by: jilbert

Good day,
Try administering his Urocit medication with his last meal, in order to help reduce the incidence of vomiting. If this is not effective, your veterinarian may prescribe an anti-nausea/vomiting medication that can be taken preceding his dose of Urocit. Thank you and take care.

Answered by: Rich - Student Pharmacist

Date published: 2012-07-28

Will Urocit k help dissolve kidney stones?

Asked by: Lou

Urocit-K will decrease the chance of kidney stone formation by making the pet's urine less acidic. It will not dissolve a kidney stone that has already formed.

Answered by: marty pharmacist

Date published: 2012-05-31

Okay to crush Urocit-K?

My little pup (14 pound pomeranian-terrier) is too small to swallow these pills so my vet has told me to crush them up for him. This was working for awhile but now he's having trouble urinating and seems to be unhappy. Can someone help please?

Asked by: Bonnie

This is a controlled realease medication, therefore it can not be crushed, chewed, or cut. You should take your pet to the veterinarian as the symptoms are worsening.

Answered by: Yoliset, Student Pharmacist

Date published: 2012-04-07

not sure what to ask.

Why is the tablet more expensive. I give my dog 300mg. twice a day. how would you give the tablet. Thanks Jackie

Asked by: jaxie

You cannot give 300mg of potassium citrate using a Urocit-K tablet. What you are giving your pet is probably being specially compounded for you.

Answered by: Gary, Dir. of Pharmacy Services

Date published: 2012-02-27

How much Urocit-K is safe

I posted a question earlier about increasing the dosage of Urocit-K from 1 1080 tablet in the evening as my jack russell was continuing to run less than an alkaline urine in the morning. Thank you for answering my question by having me consult my vet. I spoke to her and she said increase by 1 540mg, so now he gets one 1080mg and one 540mg each night. He will be 13 in June and has been on potassium citrate since he was about 1.5. Are there long term problems with this much potassium citrate either in his kidneys or being stored somewhere in the body? Thank you. The two pills make a 6.8-7 urine in the morning.

Asked by: jill

I knew if you contacted your veterinarian that your pet would be helped. As to your concern about potassium levels over time, I would suggest that as long as your veterinarian is doing periodic blood tests that will measure potassium (as well as other electrolytes), you should have no concerns about long term use of this product.

Answered by: Gary, Dir. of Pharmacy Services

Date published: 2012-02-23

my cat is 17 years old and is having kidney failure and is going blind what are my options

Asked by: morris

I'm sorry to hear about your cat's health issues. Unfortunately, you are asking a medical question that as a pharmacist I cannot answer. I need to refer you back to your veterinarian. He/she can answer the question about treatment options for you.

Answered by: Gary, Dir. of Pharmacy Services

Date published: 2011-12-13

Potassium citrate becoming less effective

I have a 12 year old jack russell who makes urate stones. Started out the first 5 years of his life on Urocit 540, this stopped being effective so started Urocit 1080. Now after 7 years on the 1080 his urine is around 5.8 to 6.2 consistently in the morning. Potassium citrate extended release tablets given nightly at 730pm and urine is tested at 530am. Can I increase the dosage safely?Has urine and blood tested every 6 months and all results are within normal range.

Asked by: jilbert

I would not recommend making any change to the dose of medication without speaking to your veterinarian.

Answered by: Gary, Dir. of Pharmacy Services

Date published: 2011-12-13

100 / 1080 mEQ

Is there another medication to prevent calcium oxylate? Since April 2010 my 12 yr old border collie has been taking Urocit K 1080 at 1 1/2 tablets twice a day. After her first seizure & a urinary track infection, her PH was at 8.5 the vet reduced the urocit K to 1 in the morning & 1/2 at night & prescribed Baytril. Now (3 weeks later) the ph is 5, & infection is gone. The vet increased the urocit k to 1 in morning & 1 at night. This morning she had another seizure about an hour after taking one tablet of the urocit k. It appears we need to take her off of the Urocit K. Is there any other medication that she could take instead of the Urocit K to prevent stones? Are there any other comments or thoughts that could be helpful for us & our dog? Thank you.

Asked by: Elle

I am not aware of seizure as a side effect of Urocit K. However, this product can make the pet susceptible to urinary tract infections. Your veterinarian has most likely prescribed a special diet for your pet. Your pet should have plenty of water available for him to drink.